The 13 best destinations to spend winter in the sun

Winter is upon us in France, with its short days, grey skies and freezing temperatures. Dreaming of escaping this seasonal gloom? Then it’s time to pack your bags and head off to discover destinations where you can spend the winter in the sun. From the heavenly beaches of Morocco to the tropical islands of the West Indies, here is our selection of the 13 best destinations for recharging your batteries in a sunny climate.

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1. Marrakech, the pearl of Morocco

Just a three-hour flight from Paris, a visit to Marrakech is one of the best places to spend the winter in the sun. With its mild temperatures of around 20°C during the day and 7 hours of sunshine a day, the ochre city offers the perfect escape from the greyness of Europe.

Download the audio tour to discover Marrakech on foot and on your own

Explore the wonders of the Ochre City with our audio tour of Marrakech, which takes you through 21 iconic places of interest. From the mythical Jemaa el-Fna square to the sumptuous Saadian palaces, let us guide you on this 2? hour adventure through 10 centuries of Moroccan history.

The Majorelle Gardens (Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakesh 40090, Morocco, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 54355 reviews) are a must-see, as are the Saadian Tombs (400 Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco, rated 3.9/5 on Google for 13555 reviews).

2. The Canary Islands, eternal springtime

Nicknamed the “Islands of Eternal Spring”, the Canaries are an ideal destination for spending the winter in the sun without leaving Europe. With temperatures between 18 and 22°C in winter, Las Palmas and La Orotava offer the perfect climate for escaping the rigours of winter.

The volcanic archipelago offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes: black sand beaches on Tenerife, the dunes of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria, and the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote. The advantage? No time difference and attractive prices in low season.

3. Martinique, the French West Indies

Head for the French West Indies to visit Fort-de-France, where winter rhymes with the dry season. From December to April, the island of flowers enjoys an ideal climate, with temperatures fluctuating between 24 and 28°C and limited rainfall.

Martinique offers the perfect combination of seaside relaxation and cultural discoveries, not to mention the advantage of remaining on French territory with the euro as its currency.

4. Thailand, the kingdom of smiles

Thailand is one of the top destinations for spending the winter in the sun. From November to March, the country experiences its dry season, with pleasant temperatures of between 25 and 30°C. Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui offer a variety of experiences, from age-old culture to heavenly beaches and refined cuisine.

Exceptional value for money makes Thailand an accessible destination for all budgets, with breathtaking scenery and legendary hospitality.

5. Senegal, the authentic Africa

Senegal is an excellent alternative for those seeking African authenticity without jet lag. Dakar and the Petite Côte enjoy constant sunshine in winter, with temperatures between 25 and 30°C.

The island of Gorée, the beaches of Saly and the desert of Lompoul offer a wide range of experiences in a setting untouched by mass tourism.

6. Cuba, the pearl of the Caribbean

The island of Cuba offers a complete change of scenery, with its vintage cars, haunting music and dream beaches. From November to April, temperatures are in the region of 25°C, with a tolerable level of humidity.

In Havana, Trinidad or Varadero, you can discover an exceptional cultural heritage while enjoying a tropical climate ideal for spending the winter in the sun.

7. Dubai, the modern oasis

Dubai turns winter into the perfect season, with perfect temperatures between 20 and 28°C. The city-state offers a unique blend of futuristic modernity and Arab traditions, with pristine beaches and activities to suit all tastes.

Luxury shopping, spectacular architecture and international cuisine make Dubai a destination where you can spend the winter in the sun and in exceptional surroundings.

8. Cape Verde, the Creole archipelago

The Cape Verde archipelago enjoys a dry tropical climate that is particularly pleasant in winter. Sal, Boa Vista and Santiago offer magnificent beaches and a mixed Creole culture, heir to African and Portuguese influences.

With temperatures between 23 and 27°C and refreshing trade winds, Cape Verde is an ideal destination for lovers of water sports and relaxation.

9. South India, Kerala and Tamil Nadu

Winter is the dry season in South India, ideal for exploring Kerala and its backwaters or the temples of Tamil Nadu. Temperatures fluctuate between 25 and 30°C, with an acceptable level of humidity.

Kochi, Alleppey or Chennai offer an intense cultural experience, while the tropical climate is perfect for escaping the European winter.

10. Mexico, diversity and authenticity

Mexico offers a host of destinations for spending the winter in the sun. The Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen enjoy an ideal climate between December and April, with temperatures between 24 and 28°C.

Pre-Columbian heritage, UNESCO World Heritage-listed gastronomy and heavenly beaches make Mexico a complete destination for a successful winter holiday.

11. Australia, summer in reverse

Take advantage of the inversion of the seasons to discover Australia at the height of the austral summer. Sydney, Melbourne or the Great Barrier Reef offer unique experiences with ideal summer temperatures between December and February.

Although more expensive and remote, Australia guarantees a complete change of scenery and spectacular landscapes for those who really want to escape winter.

12. The Maldives, a tropical paradise

A dream archipelago made up of 1,200 coral islands, the Maldives is the ultimate destination for spending winter in the sun. With constant temperatures of around 28°C and crystal-clear waters at 27°C, it’s a paradise for lovers of diving and lounging.

The Maldives offers a unique luxury experience with its overwater villas and turquoise lagoons, perfect for a honeymoon or an exceptional holiday.

13. Jordan, between desert and history

Jordan is an original destination for spending the winter in the sun, while discovering an exceptional historical heritage. Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba enjoy a dry, sunny climate with pleasant temperatures of between 15 and 22°C.

Amman, the Dead Sea and the castles of the desert complete this unique cultural destination, which combines thousands of years of history with spectacular scenery.

In conclusion, these 13 destinations for spending winter in the sun offer a diversity of experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. From Morocco, accessible in just a few hours, to the remote islands of the Maldives, each destination has its own unique culture and climate. Don’t hesitate to use our audio-guided tours to enrich your discoveries and enjoy authentic experiences far from the dreariness of winter in France.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to spend winter in the sun?

The choice depends on your preferences and your budget. For a close, economical trip, opt for Morocco or the Canaries. For a complete change of scenery, choose Thailand or the Maldives. Martinique offers an excellent compromise with no time difference.

How much should you budget for a winter holiday in the sun?

Budgets vary considerably depending on the destination you choose. Expect to pay €800-1200 for Morocco, €1,000-1500 for the Canaries, €1,500-2500 for Thailand and at least €3,000 for the Maldives, including flights and accommodation for a week.

When should you book your winter holidays in the sun?

To get the best fares, book 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for popular destinations such as Thailand or the West Indies. The Christmas and New Year periods call for even earlier booking.

Do I need any vaccinations to travel in winter in the sun?

This depends on your destination. No vaccinations are required for Morocco, the Canary Islands or Dubai. On the other hand, certain vaccinations may be recommended or compulsory for Thailand, India or certain African countries. Consult your doctor 2 months before departure.